Appliances that Drive Your Home Successfully

There are a good number of appliances that you used in your home on a daily basis. Some of them are built into your home, while others are not. While much time is spent choosing a floor plan, site location, wall covering, flooring, windows, and doors you will want to spend some time selecting the appliances that run your home.

The Built-In Appliances of the Home

While all appliances are important in a home, the ones that are actually built in and often require a professional to install tend to be the most costly. For this reason, you should spend some time finding out which ones will be most effective for you.

• Heating Source – It is important to find out which heating sources are acceptable for the type of home you are building. From there you will want to determine which ones are the most economical both in initial costs as well as maintenance and continual costs of use.
• Air Conditioning – Again, find out which brands provide the best bang for the buck. Consider your maintenance costs and what the cost to run it will be under normal conditions for your area and house size.
• Security – What are your family’s needs, there is a vast array of options available to you so taking the time to research is of value.
• Audio – Great emphasis is now placed on “home entertainment” the many facets that are available, worth considering as the relative costs are coming down and the value for money going up!
• Vacuum system – Great benefits from external exhaust, only need to carry hose around the house, works well in multi-story houses, all in all great value to your new or renovated home. Look at the suppliers, what their machines can do, how they are maintained and how they finish inside the building.
• Internet / communications – These areas of service are developing quickly and require good advice so that the work that is done now provides ongoing value in terms of service and cost.

Other appliances can be built into the home such as dishwasher, garbage disposal, even refrigerators and oven. These require consideration as well, but are not quite as imperative as the heating and air conditioning. However, you will want you have energy efficient appliances that visually fit the décor of your home.

Easily Removable Appliances

The majority of the appliances can easily be removed and replaced in the home. You may even have appliances that you will bring with you from your former residence to help you save a few bucks. There is no reason that you can not do that. However, take your new home’s décor into consideration when you make the decision to use your existing appliances or purchase brand new, you may want to look at the impact on the existing cabinetry, changes can be required to install? . The most common removable appliances include:

• Refrigerator
• Stove
• Microwave
• Washer
• Drier

Other Considerations

Although it does not exactly fall into the category of appliances, an important consideration is your computer and telephone capabilities. Because so many people spend much time for work or pleasure, and sometimes both, using the computer, phone and internet you should consider what services are available in the area that you intend to build. Find out if you will have easy access to what you need. If not, determine ahead of time how difficult it will be to gain the access you will need.

Once you have determined who will provide the services and how you will receive them, you may need to take specific steps to ensure that the necessary wires are run, receivers and transmitters are installed and everything is accessible in the area that you intend to put your home office.

Express any concerns that you have to your builder. He will become your new best friend for the planning and execution period of your home building project.

The Contractor’s Agreement for Building a New Home

Any time that you hire a quality contractor or builder to build a home, or perform any other kind of renovation, you will be required to sign an agreement / contract. Signing any kind of agreement can be intimidating, and the longer and more involved the contract is, the more stressful it may be to sign it. However, you do not have to allow the contractor to be control of every aspect of the agreement. It is called an agreement for a reason. That is because both parties should agree to the terms as an instrument of protection for every one involved.

The Contractor’s Version

In a perfect world, you would author your very own contract to meet your desires and remain within the boundaries of your comfort zone. However, it is standard operating procedure that your contractor will request that you must sign his agreement. While using an agreement that was penned with the contractor’s good in mind may be necessary, that doesn’t mean that you can not alter that agreement. Do not just blindly sign the agreement that the builder hands you without thoroughly reviewing it. A good builder will not have a problem with you keeping the agreement for a period of time for review.

Basically, you have a right to strike any clauses that you are uncomfortable with, for example, "The owner agrees to pay any increases in labor or material costs which may come into effect after signature of the agreement". You may also make additions, most likely in the manner of an addendum to the contract. Should you be unclear as to the meaning of any phrases or wording, use wisdom and consult with an solicitor.

What should be covered by the Contractor’s Agreement?

While a contractor’s agreement may have clauses and phrases that you prefer to delete, there are items that you will want covered in the agreement. Let’s look at some of them:

1. The scope of work that will be handled by the contractor, with anything that is not covered by the general contractor agreement very specifically laid out. This will make up a good section of a contractor’s agreement.
2. The payment schedule should be detailed and explicitly express whether the monies will be paid to the contractor by the owner or the financing institute, and upon what conditions.
3. Any change orders that occur during the progress of the project, and exactly how they will be handled.
4. Security.
5. Ownership of material.
6. Denote what constitutes interference and how it will affect the contract.
7. Define what will lead to mediation, jurisdiction, and arbitration, and exactly how it will be resolved. This manner of grievance resolution is much less costly than ending up in court; however court should be a last resort.

While signing any kind of contract can be a daunting task, you should know what to expect and have some idea what is not acceptable to you. Don’t hesitate to pay a few dollars to have a lawyer review and advise you regarding the contents of your builder’s agreement. It could save you thousands, not to mention headaches, in the long run.

What is needed for Home Building Plans?

So, you’ve decided that you are going to build a home. That’s great! Now how do you go about getting plans created? Well, there’s a lot to consider.

Plan Considerations

First of all, site selection must be completed before you can decide on plans. Once you have selected a site that is efficient, practical, and large enough to meet your needs it’s time to get busy on plans. Be sure that you consider any special plan needs created by your site. For example if your home will be built on a hill, you may require a walk-out basement.

Are you able and willing to use a stock plan or will you require a custom plan? There are a wide variety of stock plans, and it is very likely that you will be able to find one that suits your needs very well. Stock plans can be found in a wide range of sizes, with a variety of amenities, and the most commonly desired features. These plans are designed with the likes and dislikes of the general population in mind.

Custom Plans

A custom plan will require you to employ the services of a licensed architect or building designer. It will be designed to your exact specifications and will require much more time to draw, redraw, correct, and finalize, the final product being something of value. There are many hours involved in preparing custom plans, which means many dollars. It is much more expensive to purchase a custom plan. It is also much more time consuming and can delay the actual time to break ground. The custom plan is designed strictly with the likes and dislikes of the specific buyer in mind, do not be detered.

Stock Plans

In order to remain within a budget, a stock plan is one of the possible choice for many. When that is a must, and it seems impossible to find the perfect stock plan, keep in mind that minor design changes can be made. By contacting the original plan designer or a local designer, your modifications can be performed for a fee.

Benefits of a Stock Plan

Obviously, the one big pro of custom plans is that they are customized to your express design characteristics. However, there are many benefits to be considered in a stock plan.

• The most evident and often determining factor is that stock plans are significantly cheaper.
• The time involved in preparation of the plans is nearly non-existent barring the previously discussed minor changes. Often the plans can be submitted for a building permit immediately upon receipt.
• There are a variety of designs and this can actually be helpful to those that really aren’t sure what they want.
• There is always the possibility of having minor plan changes made for a fee.

Taking these items into consideration, it is worth some careful consideration to decide whether stock or custom plans are the right decision for you. Be sure to discuss the matter with your builder, as a good quality builder is always a good source of information. It is always helpful to bounce your ideas off someone that is well versed in the industry and keep communication open.

Keeping Your Home Building or Renovation Project on Budget

One of the greatest concerns of those opting to build or renovate their home is of course price. No one wants to engage in an endeavor in a money pit. For many, once a budget is in place there is very little margin for error.

Pre-Qualification

Unless you are one of the fortunate few that are able to pay cash for your building or renovation project, your first step should be to get pre-approval from a lender. Lest you have an established relationship with a banking institute, you will need to shop around and find a lender that will handle your type of project at a competitive rate. Once a financing establishment has been selected, you will need to obtain pre-qualification. Like with any other type of financing, you will need to provide documentation for income, debt, and go through the credit check process. Be sure to thoroughly review the interest rates and all terms as these may vary from a typical home loan. Once this tedious step is completed, you will know what kind of budget you have to work with.

Selecting a Builder

Once you know the exact amount of money that you will be able to work with, you will need to begin the steps to select a qualified builder. If you do not have a relationship with a builder, you may wish to begin by contacting a local housing association or community business group to initiate the selection process with their members. By doing this, you can be assured that the members are legitimate business people that are serious about their industry. This also gives you more avenues for recourse in the event of a grievance.

During your selection process, be certain to inquire as to how significant the builder’s role will be in the project, how much will be subcontracted, and how much will rest on your shoulders. Don’t hesitate to express what capacity you intend to be involved and what you are expecting from your builder. Ask how close to budget your builder usually runs. Find out the experience level of the builder and his relationships with the building authorities in the area. Don’t hesitate to verify licensing and insurance. You must have open communication with your builder and trust that they will not take advantage of an excess in budget. Find out if the builder has a working relationship with an architect of choice.

You Will Stay within Your Budget

Once you’ve decided on a financing institute and a builder, you need to put all your cards on the table. If you’re not comfortable financing the entire amount that you have been pre-qualified for, do not use that as your budgeted amount. Let your builder know your upper limit and be certain that you leave 10 to 15 percent margin for error. Go through your list of must-haves, preferences, and can live with outs. You must realize that if you change your decisions during the construction or renovation, it will affect the budget. Therefore, you need to be as rock solid as possible in your initial decisions to remain within the boundaries you have set.

With a flexible financial provider and qualified builder and his team of associates, you will stay within your budget providing you do not make significant changes to your plans after it is set in motion.

The Importance of Good Documentation = Great Job

You have a dream of how you would like your home to look. Before your housing dream can become a reality, you need good documentation to portray the overall characteristics, too effectively “tell your story”. Without this building documentation, those involved in the design and construction of your new home will be unable and unclear to appreciate what you are trying to achieve. It is essential to have your building documentation detailed early in the process to ensure your new home is developed smoothly and according to plan. This documentation will also allow you to smoothly negotiate the complex web of building and development permits ensuring a stress free building experience.

When you decide on building a new home or conducting renovations to your existing home one of the first points of contact is a reputable builder and / or architect within your locality. These contacts will provide you with the assistance needed to make sure all of the documentation is completed thoroughly and professionally. By having someone reputable to assist with the documentation, you can be assured that the documentation will be prepared to a standard that will prevent:

• Building Delays
• Inaccurate Pricing
• Building Disputes
• Additional Work Being Required

Many people are unaware of the documentation that is required for a new home to be constructed and your story told. However the main documents, which will require detailed attention, are:

• Plans / Drawings – These documents will contain detailed graphics of how and where the construction will take place. They will also detail the result of how the new home will look.
• Reports – A series of reports are required, which identify decisions and the data that is required for the decisions that have been made.
• Building Certificates – Building Certificates show that the design and specifications of the new home meet all required standards.
• Specifications – The specifications will detail the required quality, detail of workmanship and the quality of materials to be used in the development.

As you could appreciate, this documentation is best left to the skills of a qualified professional who will be able to offer you the advice needed to make sure that the documentation is completed in a clear and concise fashion. There are also legal requirements when it comes to building documentation that is one of the main reasons that you should leave the documentation to a qualified professional. A reputable builder in your location will be aware of all the requirements of planning authorities and also building and plumbing permit authorities allowing you the peace of mind that nothing will be left to chance.

Good building documentation is essential for the start up, process and completion of a great new home or home renovation. The use of a reputable people in ensuring your building documentation is all in order will ensure that your building process becomes so much easier. When deciding upon a builder for unique building needs, make sure your choice reflects the builders ability to assist you through the building documentation stage. Reputable builders realise that good documentation is equally as important as good craftsmanship and the quality of your building design will be reflected in the building documentation skills of your builder.

Good communication in the form of effective documents will be the best investment you can make, for your peace of mind and that of the people you deal with.

How To Build A Dream Home With Confidence

Pursuing the idea to build a dream home is one of home owners. After years of living in a house designed by other people, homeowners want to have their own ideas developed so that they can have the lifestyle that they wish for. So begs the question, “How can I build a dream home with confidence?”

There are many options available to the home owner and by talking to a competent builder ideas can be discussed and options developed.

Some of the initial questions that need to be answered are:

• Am I going to renovate
• Can I buy a block of land where I want to live
• If I can buy land, will it be big enough and in the right area
• What is the cost of pulling down and disposing of an old house on a desirable block of land
• What do I want to build
• What type of materials should I use
• What type of building would have good resale value
• Will my ideas be approved by council
• How much area do I want outside
• Do I want a pool
• Do I want a high maintenance garden

How do you find a trustworthy builder?

The experience of a builder who has been in the industry for many years is invaluable in deciding what, how and when to build a new home.

An absolute must is to use a builder who is a Registered Master Builder and a member of the Housing Industry Authority. When a builder who does not have these credentials is used, the home owner will have very little comeback should anything go wrong. If you want to build with confidence it is a good idea to eliminate any possible situations where you are not covered.

What is the builder going to be able to help you with?

Once a project is being started there will be many regulations to deal with and a myriad of decisions to make.

A qualified builder can help you through the maze of decisions that you will face. They can take you step-by-step through the process of building your dream home.

Here is a list of processes that you can do on your own, in conjunction with your builder or totally hand over to the builder:

• Budgeting
• Finance
• Council and other agency approvals
• Land selection
• Overall concept design
• Materials choice
• Plans creation
• Fittings selection
• Colour schemes
• Interior design
• Landscaping

By co-ordinating all these actions with an experienced builder you are eliminating the possibilities of mistakes. Mistakes that can sometimes cost thousands of dollars.

Building is an expensive business, so it pays to take all precautions possible when planning to build a new home. Taking the right steps to finding a good builder will allow you to build a dream home with confidence.

How To Build A Dream Home With Confidence

Pursuing the idea to build a dream home is one of home owners. After years of living in a house designed by other people, homeowners want to have their own ideas developed so that they can have the lifestyle that they wish for. So begs the question, “How can I build a dream home with confidence?”

There are many options available to the home owner and by talking to a competent builder ideas can be discussed and options developed.

Some of the initial questions that need to be answered are:

• Am I going to renovate
• Can I buy a block of land where I want to live
• If I can buy land, will it be big enough and in the right area
• What is the cost of pulling down and disposing of an old house on a desirable block of land
• What do I want to build
• What type of materials should I use
• What type of building would have good resale value
• Will my ideas be approved by council
• How much area do I want outside
• Do I want a pool
• Do I want a high maintenance garden

How do you find a trustworthy builder?

The experience of a builder who has been in the industry for many years is invaluable in deciding what, how and when to build a new home.

An absolute must is to use a builder who is a Registered with the Master Builders Association and a member of the Housing Industry Association. When a builder who does have these associations, the home owner will have good comeback should anything go wrong. If you want to build with confidence it is a good idea to eliminate any possible situations where you are not covered.

What is the builder going to be able to help you with?

Both prior and during a project there will be many regulations to deal with and a myriad of decisions to make.

A qualified builder can help you through the maze of decisions that you will face. They can take you step-by-step through the process of building your dream home.

Here is a list of processes that you can do on your own, in conjunction with your builder or totally hand over to the builder:

• Budgeting
• Finance
• Council and other agency approvals
• Land selection
• Overall concept design
• Materials choice
• Plans creation
• Fittings selection
• Colour schemes
• Interior design
• Landscaping

By co-ordinating all these actions with an experienced builder you are eliminating the possibilities of mistakes. Mistakes that can sometimes cost thousands of dollars.

Building is an expensive business, so it pays to take all precautions possible when planning to build a new home. Taking the right steps to finding a good builder will allow you to build a dream home with confidence.

Employing A Builder To Build A ‘Green’ Home

In recent years many new home buyers are looking to go ‘green’ with their new homes. There are quite a number of different design features needed when you are going to build a ‘green’ home and it pays to have a very good knowledge of what is needed because there are some quite strict regulations about what is ‘green’ and what is not.

There are indications that the request for a ‘green’ home is going to become more and more prominent as years go by and any builder worth their income will have researched exactly what to put in a ‘green’ home and how to design it so that all the best advantages are taken care of.

The design and products used are paramount to the success of owning and living in a ‘green’ home.

Building for temperature control

One consideration with building a ‘green’ home is finding the right block of land, or should I say finding a block of land that is facing in the right direction. The idea behind a ‘green’ home is not to use air conditioning or have heating, so it is important that the home is facing north to catch the winter sun and that the layout of the rooms within the house utilise the best use of the winter sun and also the summer breezes.

Window placement, size, structure and coverings also have significant impact on the home. Windows need to be large, allow good light, opening sufficiently to allow the breeze through the home, usually have double glazing and have window treatments that cut out the light at night.

What are other features of an eco friendly home?

• The use of environmentally friendly products
• A carefully designed home with northern aspect
• An outdoor living area protected from wind and rain
• Light coloured roof
• Cross ventilation throughout the house
• Solar heating, especially hot water
• Fully insulated ceilings and walls
• CFL lighting
• Living room facing north
• Garage not directly leading into the house
• Big eaves
• Water tanks

Planning an eco friendly home

If owning an eco friendly home is your dream then sit down with an experienced builder who will be able to talk to you about how a house can be designed to fall within the requirements of a ‘green’ home.

It is not all about the design when building it also comes down to the fact that eco friendly homes use building products that have reduced chemical emissions.

The cost to build a ‘green’ home can be substantially more initially but the savings can be huge over time. Savings are in the nature of power, water and very much in the healthier lifestyle experienced by the family. Another benefit that has not been mentioned either, is the fact that ‘green’ homes have a better than average resale value.

What is Your Builder Really providing and What is Your Builder Meant to do?

When engaging a builder to either build your new home or conduct renovations to your established home it is important to select a builder who will provide you with value for money and is someone you feel you can trust for the long term. A quality builder will provide you with a perfect building experience by managing the product on the ground and getting involved in all aspects of the construction.

When you negotiate your way through the various builders on your journey to selecting the builder best suited to your needs find out exactly what role the builder intends taking, or more precisely, what is the structure of the business. The only way to find out if a builder will be doing all that you expect of him ask a series of simple questions such as:

• Will you be on site supervising the work of sub contractors?
• Will you take responsibility for the schedule of the building process?
• Will you liaise with the relevant institutions on issues relating to finance and contracts?
• Who will be calculating the material and labour needs for this project?
• Will you arrange the necessary inspections with Council?
• Are you able to assist with any further discussions / negotiations with Council or regulatory bodies.

While many builders still carry out all of the traditional functions some companies have become highly developed and are able to offer high levels of supervision during the construction process. You are hiring a builder for a reason and that reason is to make sure that he / she is able to manage the overall building work. You have chosen your builder and you have a right to expect that that is who you are dealing with rather than a sub contractor. You will be sharing a very special relationship with your builder so make sure during the selection phase you select a builder who you can trust based on their reputation.

While all builders will see your building project through to completion you must be satisfied that the builder you select will provide you with the exposure that you desire.. A reputable builder will welcome questions from you when you are trying to find out if he is the right person to make your building dreams become a reality. Expect nothing but the very best from your builder and this includes being available on site and taking care of the finer details of your building project.

Timber Cladding

Whether you are living in warm or cold Australian climates timber cladding offers you an economically beneficial comfort. Implementing timber cladding into your home design to ensure that you are provided with year round thermal protection ensuring that you are comfortable regardless of the seasons. Timber cladding is one of the most economical and flexible home building materials in use today and can be used to provide you with a building look which will meet your unique needs.

When considering your new home design you need to consider a product that will allow you to achieve your building dreams with minimal expense. Timber cladding is a product which will allow you to achieve this result and provide you the ability to portray your own style and personality in your new home. While there are many products which can be used to provide a housing finish timber cladding provides a professional finish with the added bonus of being flexible and resilient to the stresses of foundation and natural seismic movements.

Each year more and more Australians are realizing the benefits of using timber cladding to provide for their housing needs. However, even though timber cladding is in high demand the finish that a professional builder can provide for you will ensure that you retain the freedom to achieve a unique look. With a wide range of timber cladding products available there is a product which you can be sure will meet your design needs whether it be solid timber boarding or timber shingles.

Because your timber cladding will contribute to the overall aesthetics of your new home, you need to work in partnership with your builder so that the timber cladding product that you choose will achieve your desired outcome. Your builder will be able to discuss with you how timber cladding can assist in noise reduction, temperature control, and vapour control giving you the knowledge required to make an informed decision of which timber cladding will meet all of your needs.

Timber cladding has a long history of providing people with home designs that actually provide them with what they want. The biggest benefit of timber cladding is that because of its relative lightweight and ability to provide natural insulation it has the ability to dramatically reduce construction costs. When used in conjunction with a timber-shingled roof, timber cladding removes the need for bulky masonry foundation walls; this alone can reduce construction costs by up to 30%.

Timber cladding is again regaining popularity in the Australian building industry because of the advances in technology that allow timber cladding to meet the changing demands of the community. It is important to remember that should you decide upon timber cladding when building or renovating that you need to choose a reputable builder who is skilled in using timber cladding. With the many advances that have been made in the use of timber cladding you need to be satisfied that your builder has extensive and continued timber cladding experience to make sure that the end result exceeds all of your expectations.

The Importance of Good Documentation = Great Job

You have a dream of how you would like your home to look. Before your housing dream can become a reality, you need good documentation to portray the overall characteristics, too effectively “tell your story”. Without this building documentation, those involved in the design and construction of your new home will be unable and unclear to appreciate what you are trying to achieve. It is essential to have your building documentation detailed early in the process to ensure your new home is developed smoothly and according to plan. This documentation will also allow you to smoothly negotiate the complex web of building and development permits ensuring a stress free building experience.

When you decide on building a new home or conducting renovations to your existing home one of the first points of contact is a reputable builder within your locality. A reputable builder will provide you with the assistance needed to make sure all of the documentation is completed thoroughly and professionally. By having a reputable builder assist with the documentation, you can be assured that the documentation will be prepared to a standard that will prevent:

• Building Delays
• Inaccurate Pricing
• Building Disputes
• Additional Work Being Required

Many people are unaware of the documentation that is required for a new home to be constructed. However the main documents, which will require detailed attention, are:

• Plans / Drawings – These documents will contain detailed graphics of how and where the construction will take place. They will also detail the result of how the new home will look.
• Reports – A series of reports are required, which identify decisions and the data that is required for the decisions that have been made.
• Building Certificates – Building Certificates show that the design and specifications of the new home meet all required standards.
• Specifications – The specifications will detail the required quality, detail of workmanship and the quality of materials to be used in the development.

As you could appreciate, this documentation is best left to the skills of a qualified professional who will be able to offer you the advice needed to make sure that the documentation is completed in a clear and concise fashion. There are also legal requirements when it comes to building documentation that is one of the main reason that you should leave the documentation to a qualified professional. A reputable builder in your location will be aware of all the requirements of planning authorities and also building and plumbing permit authorities allowing you the peace of mind that nothing will be left to chance.

Good building documentation is essential for the completion of a great new home or home renovation. The use of a reputable builder in ensuring your building documentation is all in order will ensure that your building process becomes so much easier. When deciding upon a builder for unique building needs make sure your choice reflects the builders ability to assist you through the building documentation stage. Reputable builders realise that good documentation is equally as important as good craftsmanship and the quality of your building design will be reflected in the building documentation skills of your builder.

Good communication in the form of effective documents will be the best investment you can make, for your peace of mind and that of the people you deal with.

Defining Brick Veneer and Full Brick

When building a new home or having renovations conducted on an existing home, many people will be faced with the decision of choosing between Brick Veneer and Full Brick. For some this choice will be easy, for others they may need the assistance of a qualified builder in making a choice that will result in their dream home. While you may have heard of the terms Brick Veneer and Full Brick, do you really know the difference? This is where a professional builder can help - by explaining the benefits that each can provide you with in your building process. Many Australians do not even realise that they have a choice between Brick Veneer and Full Brick.

Generally, a Full Brick home will consist of an outer brick layer as well as an inner brick layer, this is why it is sometimes referred to as ‘double brick’. In some home designs however, the outer brick is complimented with a other forms of finish rather than using two layers of bricks, so the term double brick is not always correct.

Brick Veneer on the other hand only consists of the outer “skin” of brick. The brick used is not part of the structure to hold the house up as this is taken care of with the timber framing internally. Brick Veneer is used for appearance and aesthetic appeal. Brick Veneer allows you to have the appearance of a brick home but also allows you the benefits that are provided with a home made from timber framing. Brick Veneer is one of the most popular finishes used in modern homes as it is both economical and provides homeowners with the similar comfort and security as a Full Brick home.

To ensure the effectiveness of both Brick Veneer and Full Brick it is important to select a builder who has the experience and ability to construct a quality home with these materials. Ask your builder for details of their experience in using both Brick Veneer and Full Brick – Do they have a successful record of accomplishment in using these materials in your location? A builder with experience in your area will be able to provide you with detailed advice and guidance on whether Brick Veneer or Full Brick will better suit your own individual needs. While both of these materials are capable of providing you with exactly what you want you want the assurance that your builder is skilled in their use.

When selecting a builder, make sure you ask the questions that will allow you to find out which material will allow your housing dreams to become a reality. A reputable builder will liaise with you to find out exactly how to achieve your dreams and will advise you on the most effective use of building materials so you can make informed decisions. Make sure you select your builder wisely, as you will be reliant on your builder for many years of happiness.

Selecting a Builder

When selecting a builder, there are two important words to remember - Reputation and Experience. Your choice of builder will be one of the most important choices that you will ever make and will mean the difference between a great building experience and an experience which will leave you stressed; emotionally, physically and financially. For those who are looking for a builder for a brand new home, renovations or for a complete rebuild it is important to start considering your choice of builder early in your planning stage.

But why do you need to start selecting a builder early in the process I hear you say; simply because a quality builder will be able to assist in many of the complex decisions you will need to make. By having your builder assist you with problems such as site conditions and the construction design building issues which can easily exceed your budget can be contained. A quality builder will assist you with your decisions so that you can ensure that your construction project will remain within your unique budgetary needs.

The main decision that you are left with is which builder will make your dreams become a reality. This is a decision that you want to make after considering the builders Reputation, Experience, Competence, and Professionalism. Essentially when selecting a builder you want to consider the following criteria:

Reputation – Does the builder have a good reputation with an uninterrupted client list? Generally, a builder who operates in a specific geographical location will have gained a good reputation for providing quality-building services. I recommend that you ask for a client list so that you can contact past clients and gauge their response to your questions. A builder with integrity will include the good and the not-so-good so you get to see a “warts and all” view, just remember that we all have our own perception about an event!

Local Knowledge – When selecting a builder look for one who has extensive building experience in the area of your construction project. This will ensure that your builder will have local knowledge of Council Regulations, building trends, site-specific conditions and most importantly know exactly what can and cannot be constructed in the local area.

Construction Type – You need to select a builder who is experienced in the construction type you are seeking. Look for a builder with extensive building experience in providing constructions in your price range and the style you are looking for.

Financial Stability – As with any business some builders lack the financial stability to provide you with a quality construction. You need to be sure that your builder has a strong financial reputation and the ability to take your construction from inception right through to completion without any financial hiccups occurring throughout the process.

Compatibility - You are going to be spending a lot of time with your builder so make sure when you go through the process of selecting a builder you make sure that you are both compatible. By selecting a builder who is easy to communicate with, personable and professional you can be assured that many stresses will be relieved during the construction process.

There is a lot to consider when selecting a builder, but the most important thing to consider is whether the builder can provide you with exactly what you want. Don’t be rushed into a choice with a pushy builder make sure that you feel comfortable with the builder you select. Selecting a builder is a very important decision and you have to be sure that your choice will result in your dreams becoming a reality without any surprise expenses.

As a final note, I strongly recommend that consideration be given to viewing the “event” as a team process, the building process can and does throw up some interesting questions, particularly when working with existing structures and work “in the ground”. Much more can be achieved by approaching a building project from the mindset of “team”.

Owner Builder versus Contract Builder

Whether you are building your own home or conducting renovations to an established home this is likely to be one of your greatest investments. You have a housing vision, but will this become a reality? As an owner builder you will be forced to take on all the risks and responsibilities that would normally be undertaken by a contract builder who has years of experience and knows how to manage all of the risks involved. Before going it alone as an owner builder make sure you find out all that will be involved for you or your home building experience could become the nightmare your Mother always warned you of.

There are many risks involved as an owner builder including:

• Poor estimation leading to higher building costs


• Faulty work and work that is non-compliant with building codes


• Inability to effectively evaluate the work of tradesmen


• Inability to effectively project manage


• Work continuity


• Work completion


• Where is it that you earn your income, can you afford to have your attention taken away from that?

By using a qualified contract builder you can be assured that the risk you will be gaining the expertise of a professional who has been in the industry for many years. This expertise alone ensures that the builder knows how to go about all of your building needs with the knowledge and experience to make the right decisions bring your building project in on budget. A quality contract builder has the added advantage of knowing industry trends and expectations so will be able to advise you on the best way of managing your building project.

Building a new home means more than simply having a vision of how you want your new home to look. There are many legal and compliance issues which need to be considered and a qualified contract builder will be able to negotiate this complex web of knowledge ensuring that you will be able to make your vision come to life. A qualified contract builder will be able to take you through the home building process with less stress and with the piece of mind that nothing will be left to chance. While many people have shown success as owner builders, many others have faced their worst nightmare. A qualified contract builder has the years of experience to make sure that your home building project runs smoothly and according to your plans. The only choice that you are now left with is choosing the contract builder who will be able to meet your unique needs!

Questions to Ask Your Builder (Before You Sign Anything)

Whether you need a builder for a new home, renovations, extension or complete refurbishment, you need to be sure that the builder you select will be able to achieve a stunning home, on time, on budget and create great relationships for all the stakeholders.

It is estimated that Australians will spend about 65% of their lives inside their homes so there is enormous value in taking the time to make sure that the builder you choose can ensure your vision becomes a reality.

Before you sign a contract, make sure you get answers to the questions that will identify the builder who is most suited to your needs.

There are many important issues to consider; logistics, costs, site selection, and ongoing customer service being just a few. The following is a suggested list of questions to ask your potential builders -

1. Can you explain your business structure, how does it benefit our job?


2. How much work do you currently have on, when will it complete?


3. What other work do you have to start, how will that impact on our project?


4. What is the expected duration of construction?


5. Do you have any recommendations to improve or speed up the job


6. Can you provide a program (bar chart is visually good!)


7. What is included in your submission?


8. What elements should I take particular note of.


9. What work is not included in the submission, why not?


10. Are their any hidden or extra costs that may come about?


11. Do you have plans and pictures of previous work done?


12. Can you provide a list of your most recent clients, can we speak with them?


13. What are the standard features and what will cost me more?


14. What warranties and guarantees will you / the manufacturer offer to me?


15. Does any work conducted by sub contractors void any warranties or guarantees?


16. How do your prices compare with other builders and why?


17. How long have you been in the industry?


18. What experience do you have?


19. Will I be able to access the home during the building process?


20. Site meetings – When / where?


21. What professional memberships and registrations do you hold


22. Are you insured and to what level, can you provide a Currency Certificate for each?


23. Can I be sure that all construction you carry out will be fully compliant with all laws and regulations?


24. What responsibility do you take if something is found to not to compliant?


25. What is the “defect liability period”, how long and what is covered?


26. Have you done any other work in this area? If so where?


27. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy?


28. If I have any questions during the building process, who should I contact?


29. What hours are you available, how do I contact you?


30. Do you have a dedicated customer service policy before, during, and after the construction-taking place?

Although this is not an exhaustive list, it will make sure that you are on the right in building your confidence to proceed. The domestic building process is complex to execute and the value you should be looking for is one of “support” from your partner (builder) in this project.

Remember, be inquisitive and ask questions, my important recommendation for you, is that you look to make and be part of a team, this mindset encourages a united approach to start and finish the project where everyone partakes and is a winner.

Should I Stay or Should I Go – Moving Out While Construction Happens

When renovating your established home there will be many decisions that you will have to make - thankfully your selected builder will be able to help you out with many of these decisions. Depending on how extensive your renovations are, one of the choices you may have to make is whether you should remain in your house while renovations take place or find suitable short term accommodation. This is a decision that is best made in consultation with your builder. Your builder will be able to explain to you exactly what you can expect should you remain living in the home while renovations take place.

Builders can undertake many renovations with minimal inconvenience to you but it is important to quiz your builder on any inconveniences you can expect. Failure to quiz your builder may result in you waking to find that your shower and toilet are unavailable. A skilled and professional builder however will negate your need for quizzing as they will be upfront and open in their communication and will list for you all there is to know. Can you be sure your builder will prevent any unexpected accommodation surprises coming up? The only way to be sure is to make sure that you select a reputable and quality builder.

If your renovation project is extensive, your builder will advise you via a “Job Program” whether they can undertake the construction work systematically allowing you to use certain areas of your home or whether it will be necessary for you to find some short or long term accommodation. Remember that your home will become a building site during your renovations and it is essential to rely on your builder as well as your own common sense for advice on the hazards and inconveniences that will be present. Should you have a young family it is even more important to ensure that your children remain safe from the building environment.

Renovation work will create a very different environment and for some people they would prefer to use accommodation while the building work is being conducted. This allows them to return to a perfect home without the hassle of having tradespeople walking around the house. This is a personal choice and you do not need advice from your builder if this is the case. A professional and reputable builder may however be able to work in and around you so that your personal space is not impacted upon allowing you the choice to remain in your home. Be mindful in making these decisions that there can be cost implications generated from having the building work move “around you”, your builder will advise.

By choosing a reputable builder, you can be sure that you will receive accurate and reliable information about whether moving out while renovations take place is essential. Home renovations can be stressful, so make sure you choose a builder who will work to reduce the inconvenience that renovations will have on you and your family.

Some more specific things to consider are – safety, dust, noise, disruption to living patterns, dust, available space, intrusion, interruption to services, exposure to weather / conditions, privacy, dust etc! Think carefully!

Building in a Recession

It will come as no surprise to you that there is a global financial crisis. As the threat of a recession looms upon us people contemplating building or renovating a house need to take a few more precautions or risk their very own construction crisis. The current volatility of international finance markets has put a huge strain on many businesses including building companies. For this reason when deciding upon a builder for your construction needs you not only have to consider the cost effect on you but also more importantly – Does the builder have the financial security to withstand a recession. It is of little use to you to hire a builder who is later forced into liquidation before completing your construction; this will only lead to higher costs for you.

Building in a recession is the same as building in any other economical climate with the only difference being you need to place more emphasis in vetting the builder. No doubt you are aware of your own finances; but how much do you know about the business finances of your builder? Can you be sure that they have the financial backing to make it through the tough times? During a recession, consumers need to dig a little bit deeper to ensure that the chosen builder is able to withstand the rigors and demands of a recession. The key is to choose a quality builder who has strong record of accomplishment in continuing to provide quality construction during financially demanding times. There have been many financial crisis’ which have rocked the construction industry many occurring in the 1990’s – Has the builder you are considering been able to show strong performance even with the impact these had on the industry?

With the financial threats we are currently facing it is an important part of your building process to choose a builder who you can trust in tough financial times. It is not hard to find a builder, but what is hard is finding a quality builder who will be able to build your dreams with minimal financial and emotional stress. Sit down with a selection of builders and ask them the tough questions and you will quickly see which builders are most suited to your needs. If a builder fails to answer or even deflects your financial questions then this should be taken as a warning sign.

While building in a recession does have some risks they can be overcome by ensuring that you select a quality builder with a reputation for meeting client needs even in times of heightened financial pressure. A recession is going to be stressful to you as it is without having the added stresses of how your builder is going to perform when things get tough. Make sure you select a builder who you can be confident will continue to build the house of your dreams and will not succumb to the pressures that a recession brings. By choosing a builder carefully, you will negate the risks associated with building in a recession.